Candidate makes use of Trump image

November 1, 2012

By

JIM BARON

CUMBERLAND â€” Billionaire Donald Trump seems to be involved in almost everything these days â€” but the District 19 RI Senate race?
Yes, that too.
Democratic challenger Ryan Pearson sent out a mailing to voters in the district earlier this month, criticizing incumbent Republican Bethany Mouraâ€™s absences and missed votes in the last two years. On one side, the cardboard flyer said â€śIf you missed work as much as Beth Mouraâ€¦Youâ€™d be fired!â€ť Below that was a picture of Trump, pointing an accusatory-looking finger, along with his signature line â€śYouâ€™re fired!â€ť from his TV show â€śThe Apprentice.â€ť
Michael Cohen, Trumpâ€™s special counsel, said he spoke to his client, who believes the mailing is â€śan illegal useâ€ť of his image and his trademark catchphrase. He said, probably unnecessarily, that Trump â€śdoes not know the gentleman,â€ť meaning Pearson.
Cohen said the Trump Organization does not intend to bring legal action against Pearsonâ€™s campaign, but he added â€śit should not go over well for his constituents or potential constituentsâ€ť that he promoted his candidacy by using Trumpâ€™s photo without permission.